Garrison Brothers, a renowned Texas distillery, has just launched four new ultra-limited bourbon releases, and the news has whiskey enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Known for its robust, wheated bourbon, Garrison Brothers has built a strong reputation with unique offerings aged in the extreme Texas climate. This latest release continues that tradition, offering four cask-strength, single-barrel expressions that quickly sold out.
Situated about an hour’s drive from Austin, Garrison Brothers made history when it became Texas's first legal whiskey distillery in 2005. The distillery released its first bourbon in 2010 and has since garnered acclaim for its intense and oaky whiskeys. The unique aging process, influenced by Texas's extreme temperature swings, enhances the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, resulting in bold flavors. Over the years, Garrison Brothers has introduced several notable releases, including the Guadalupe, aged in port barrels for two years, the extremely high-proof Cowboy Bourbon, and last year’s Laguna Madre, which was its oldest release to date.
The new cask-strength bourbons, selected by master distiller Donnis Todd, are each nine years old, surpassing the age of the Laguna Madre. These whiskeys have proofs ranging from 128.8 to a staggering 144.9, which is about 72.5% alcohol by volume. This limited release saw very few bottles available, based on the yield from each barrel. The lowest proof barrel produced 56 bottles, while the highest proof barrel yielded just 10, demonstrating the angels' share, where significant evaporation occurs due to the hot Texas climate. Priced at $180 each, these bottles were highly sought after and sold out almost immediately, causing the distillery's website to crash.
For those who missed out on these exclusive bottles, there’s a silver lining. Garrison Brothers has reintroduced their Lady Bird bourbon. Named in honor of Lady Bird Johnson, this expression stands out for its infusion process and unique aging. The bourbon is initially aged for four years before being infused with Texas wildflower honey for eight to nine months. Following this infusion, it undergoes an additional three years of aging in French XO Cognac casks. Bottled at 114 proof, Lady Bird offers a complex and inviting tasting profile. The official tasting notes describe a palate rich with sweet honey, fresh grass, dark chocolate, cherry, and fig. This bourbon is available for $180 on the Garrison Brothers website and can also be found at various online retailers like ReserveBar.
Garrison Brothers continues to push the boundaries of bourbon craftsmanship, offering enthusiasts unique and intensely flavored options that capture the essence of Texas whiskey. The distillery's innovative approach and dedication to quality have solidified its place among the elite names in the whiskey world, ensuring that each new release is met with eager anticipation and swift sales. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or a curious newcomer, Garrison Brothers' latest offerings are a testament to the exciting possibilities within the world of whiskey.
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About Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Distillery is a renowned craft distillery located in Hye, Texas, celebrated for producing high-quality, small-batch bourbon. Founded in 2006 by Dan Garrison, it holds the distinction of being the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Garrison Brothers prides itself on embodying the spirit of Texas through its artisanal approach to bourbon production, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
The distillery is situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, where the unique climate significantly influences the aging process of the bourbon. The intense heat and temperature fluctuations in this region accelerate the interaction between the whiskey and the oak barrels, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. This terroir-specific aging process contributes to the distinctive taste of Garrison Brothers' bourbons.
Garrison Brothers is committed to quality from grain to glass. The distillery uses organic, non-GMO corn, wheat, and barley, primarily grown in Texas, to craft its bourbon. The mash is fermented with a proprietary yeast strain and distilled in copper pot stills, ensuring a robust and flavorful spirit. Each batch is carefully monitored and aged in custom-made, charred American oak barrels, which add layers of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the whiskey.
One of the flagship products of Garrison Brothers is its Texas Straight Bourbon, known for its bold, full-bodied character and rich, oaky flavors. This bourbon has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying the distillery's reputation in the competitive craft spirits market. Other notable offerings include the Balmorhea Double-Barrel Bourbon, which undergoes a second maturation in new barrels for an even deeper and more complex flavor, and the Cowboy Bourbon, an uncut and unfiltered expression prized for its intensity and depth.
Garrison Brothers is also known for its community-oriented philosophy. The distillery frequently engages in philanthropic activities, supporting various local and national charities through its Good Bourbon for a Good Cause initiative. This commitment to giving back reflects the values of the Garrison Brothers team and their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their high-quality spirits.
Visitors to Garrison Brothers Distillery can enjoy guided tours that offer an in-depth look at the bourbon-making process, from the fields to the finished product. The distillery's scenic location, combined with its hands-on approach to education and hospitality, makes it a popular destination for whiskey enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Overall, Garrison Brothers Distillery stands out for its dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and community. By producing exceptional bourbon that captures the essence of Texas, Garrison Brothers has established itself as a leader in the American craft whiskey movement.
